Tenant Newsletter - Issue 4
2024 is going so fast that we thought we would sneak in an extra newsletter and update you on what is happening at MRAC. We have been busy reviewing and making improvements to our systems and processes to control ever increasing costs, and to do so in a way which supports our tenants and helps them to maintain their tenancy. We have been involved in some community events, hosting a World Elder Abuse prevention morning tea, and the team from the office participated in the GRAMS NAIDOC Amazing Race as part of the NAIDOC Week Celebrations here in Geraldton.
Karen Court
CEO
Getting to know our Housing Manager, Shez!
Prior coming to work at MRAC in July 2022 Shez worked for the Department of Communities as a Contract Officer in the Aboriginal Housing Services, and as an Area Manager in the Pilbara, so she came to us with a wealth of experience and Housing expertise. Shez has also worked in private Real Estate undertaking property management to fully round out her experience. Not only has this been invaluable to property management here at MRAC but also as an internal resource in our office for the rest of the team.
Outside of work hours Shez is an amazing wife, mum and grandmother and a part time farmer!.
Broken Windows
It has been common practice at MRAC in the past that if you obtained a Police Report Number you were not responsible for paying for the reglazing or repair of the window. However, with rising costs and broken windows that require reglazing being one of the highest expenses in the MRAC maintenance budget we need to change this process.
If a window is broken you will now be charged Tenant Liability (TL) for both boarding up the window for safety reasons (if required), and the reglazing of the window unless there has been a break in or other activity that is outside of your control. If someone you have invited to your home breaks the window this will be considered TL.
If the damage to your property’s window is caused by wear and tear (such as the glass panel coming loose in the window frame) then it is MRAC’s responsibility to replace and make sure it’s safe for you and your family.
We understand that accidents happen often around the home, and that unexpected cost’s often put a financial burden on tenants, so as always you will be able to pay off your Tenant Liability bill in a way you can afford and so it is very important that you discuss this with your Property Manager to find a solution.
Rent Inspections and Re-Scheduling
We understand that there are certain aspects of maintaining a tenancy that can be stressful, one of those being rent inspections, which can cause a lot of stress and leave you feeling insecure. Provided you try to look after your property and maintain it in a clean and undamaged fashion, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
The inspection is the tenant’s time to really show how well they are maintaining their property. The whole property itself is checked at the inspection and therefore should be clean and tidy and the condition of you’re property should be as close to as it was when you moved in, allowing for some wear and tear as time goes on. The gardens and outdoor areas are just as important as the inside and should be neat, tidy and weed free.
MRAC has the right to carry out routine inspections at your property no more than four times a year, and we will always provide you with 7 to 14 days’ notice of our intention to undertake an inspection, in writing, and we will also send you an SMS to remind you a couple days prior. The notice we give provides you with sufficient time to prepare for the inspection.
MRAC will always make a reasonable effort to negotiate a more suitable time if the proposed time is inconvenient for a tenant, but we cannot make more than one amendment to the inspection date or time or reschedule at late notice other than in an emergency. If you are unable to be home for an inspection we can access your property with keys. Breach notices will be issued where we are unable to access your property on multiple occasions.
CentrePay
Centrepay is a free bill paying service available to Centrelink uses which can be used to arrange automatic regular deductions, pays for goods and services, and is a great tool to ensure your bills are being paid on time. If you receive a Centrelink payment, and don’t know how to set up payment, follow the below steps or contact our Housing Support Program for assistance.
MyGov
1. Select Menu
2. Select Deductions
3. Select View/Add/Change Deductions.
Follow these steps to view your summary using your Express Plus Centrelink mobile app
1. Sign into your account Express Plus Centrelink Mobile App
2. Select More to access the full menu
3. Select Deductions
4. Select Centrepay Deductions